42RLE issues—rebuild or replacement time?

[TeamJim]

I've searched through and haven't been able to find someone with the same issues I've got.

2006 X, 42RLE, ~150k miles, 35s, 4.88s, correct speedo gear.

Issue I'm having: the Jeep sat for a few weeks. Went for a drive and it flared on the 1-2 shift, then dropped hard into 2nd, and went into limp mode (stuck in 2nd gear) and check engine light came on. Checked the fluid, level was correct, not burnt. Pulled the codes, had P0731 and (gear 1 incorrect ratio). Cleared the codes, drove it again, same issue. Worth noting, it will do this even with the shifter in 1st.

Did a little searching, found the solenoid pack is prone to failure on these, got a solenoid pack kit off Amazon (mistake, I know), replaced it, then had the same issue, same codes, however with an additional code specific to the shift solenoid. Transmission input and output speed sensors were both replaced at this time.

Took the Amazon solenoid pack out, returned it, ordered a new kit with a Mopar solenoid and filter. Test drive, same issue as originally, but no solenoid code. Still has the P0731.

This is a different shifting issue than the TCM related hard 1-2 shift issue. I've been living with that issue by just periodically clear the computer with a scanner and it goes back to normal for a while.

My question is, does this sound like a TCM issue, torque converter issue, or am I looking at a rebuild/replacement of the transmission at this point? I'm very mechanically inclined, with the exception of automatic transmission work. If it is indeed in need of a rebuild, I'll probably end up buying a built transmission from somewhere like ATS and swapping out myself.

Sorry for the long post, and thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Chris]

@Wranglerfix may be able to assist here. This could be the dreaded 05-06 PCM issue with the shifting.

 

[TeamJim]

@Wranglerfix may be able to assist here. This could be the dreaded 05-06 PCM issue with the shifting.

I've thought about that. I've just not seen anyone with specifically these issues solved with the TCM.

Worth noting that the fluid looked clean when drained, wasn't burnt or discolored. No debris in the pan, very little/normal amount of very fine metal on the magnet. Makes me think it's not an internal issue, but again, auto transmissions are the one thing on cars in not well versed in.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

X2, the 2005 and 2006 Transmission Control Module inside the PCM is notorious for having software bugs that cause problems for the 42RLE transmission. NOTORIOUS. Talk with Mark at www.wranglerfix.com who can verify if it sounds TCM related or not by asking you a few questions. @Wranglerfix

 

[Wranglerfix]

@TeamJim the oem pcm can be reset a number of times until it can’t. The 0731 code symptoms are-

Low or dirty transmission fluid

Mechanical failure inside transmission

Internal blockage inside transmission main control

Faulty Shift solenoid

Faulty transmission control module

The occasional hard shift when cold is indicative of processor failure on the tcm side of the pcm.

I believe your pcm is failing. You can call me to discuss at 866-888-7710 if you’d like.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[TeamJim]

@Wranglerfix

I'll be giving you a call soon. What days and times are you available/your business open?

 

[Wranglerfix]

I’m like Tom Bodett so you can call whenever you’re available.

 

[Justin Fowler]

Just ordered my new cpu today @Wranglerfix

 

[Thunderhead]

I’m like Tom Bodett so you can call whenever you’re available.

Idk if I’ve seen a worst introduction

 

[TeamJim]

Well, installed my new PCM from @Wranglerfix today. Still having the exact same issues. Guess it's transmission rebuild time.

Either that or burn this damn thing to the ground time

 

[Wranglerfix]

@TeamJim What’s the original issue? Codes?

 

[TeamJim]

@TeamJim What’s the original issue? Codes?

It's all in the first post. Hanging between 1st and 2nd, then shifting into 2nd hard and going into limp mode.

No intended animosity towards you, if it came off that way. I'm just frustrated that my Jeep has basically been sitting since October

 

[Wranglerfix]

None taken. I would like you to take some contact cleaner (not dielectric grease) and spray all of your connectors. Pay particular attention to the black plug that controls the transmission side of the vehicle. The red connectors (CPA’s) must fit click and be snug or else they can cause issues.

Below is a common wiring harness failure that will kick it into limp mode.

What are the codes?

You can me at 866-888-7710 if you would like.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[TeamJim]

Yeah I'm going to pour over the wiring again. Where is that section of chafed wires at?

Codes are p0700 and p0731.

 

[Wranglerfix]

The chafed harness is just before entering the firewall.

 

[TeamJim]

Well, after going over the wiring again, I found my problem. The two wires going to the output speed sensor were broken, one of them completely. I missed it before because I pinned the connector and had continuity between the connector and the harness plug, so I didn't think to pull the loom off and look closer.

Less than $5 worth of wire, solder, heat shrink, tape, and loom and it's back up and running like totally normal.

Thanks to @Wranglerfix for all the help!

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Nice fix!!

 

[Wranglerfix]

@TeamJim Thank you for letting us know!

 

[TeamJim]

@TeamJim Thank you for letting us know!

No problem.

It's a little frustrating finding out this was the problem all along (and that I missed it initially), but hey, it's got a fresh solenoid pack, a shift kit, and the fixed PCM now so I feel like it should be good to go for a while